Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Collins.
Lindsey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been Type-A and a natural planner by nature. Originally, I went to Pellissippi State Community College for Journalism after I graduated high school; and in fact, I graduated with an associate of sciences degree.
However, when I was nearing the end of my 2-year program, I realized that my true passion was combining both my creativity and logistical talents into event planning. At 20 years old, I started my first internship with a local wedding planning company and began to be as involved as possible with all facets of the event business: Consultations, design, organization, and of course, the execution of it all.
I knew then that getting myself in the nitty-gritty groundwork (rather than just studying in a classroom) would properly prepare me for whatever challenges the event world could (and would!) throw my way. Throughout my twenties, I volunteered in local city events (Dogwood Arts Festival, Rhythm n Blooms).
I had a part-time internship with a PR company (Moxley Carmichael), and eventually, I was brought on as the Event Director for the last two years of the International Biscuit Festival held in Downtown Knoxville. It was a huge learning curve, handling thousands of hungry people anxiously waiting for biscuits in a few blocks worth of space, but I’m so glad I was able to have that experience at an early age; this is what molded me into being the confident planner I am today.
Throughout my planning opportunities, I was also a server, which allowed me to continue to network in our tight-knit downtown community and gain experience from that perspective as well. There’s no part of an event I haven’t participated in myself!
Once my husband and I moved to Portland, Maine in 2018, I knew it was almost time to launch my own company. I took a year to get acclimated with the area (we moved for fun – no local connections!), and then I launched Bearcat Events in the Spring of 2019.
From there, I was fully booked for 2020 (not a great year for the event industry…) and would find out of course that Covid had other plans for all of us. Luckily, most of my bookings were able to push to 2021, leaving me with 17 weddings for the 2021 wedding season; my first year fully booked under my own company and name. My husband and I decided to move back home to Knoxville to be closer to friends and family in December of 2021 (Covid was proof that being close to those you love makes a huge difference in daily life!).
Now, with event attendance easing back into normalcy (or what we call normal now!), I can happily say Bearcat Events is readjusting to the South and 2022 is projected to be a stellar year of weddings both locally and regionally – and even a few in Maine!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say that “smooth” is objective – is anyone’s road to success particularly smooth when they aren’t handed their career outright? In terms of mentally handling all that comes with planning – yes, I would say it’s been smooth because it’s my natural element to be precise and plan ahead. However, when it’s come to working at the control of others or lack of finances to support an event, it’s been especially difficult; though, I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing.
Being challenged means there is potential for growth, which can oftentimes lead to success – just on a different path than originally planned. For instance, my first year at Biscuit Fest was… not the best. Due to several vendors backing out last minute, we ran out of biscuits at 11 am when the event was scheduled to run until 2p. Because we didn’t sell tickets online (in-person purchases only), this meant there were tons of ticket buyers who didn’t get the opportunity to try all 5 biscuits allotted on their ticket.
Which lead to thousands of disappointed festival-goers who made it clear that what we had tried to pull together was a disaster. When one person threw a cash box at one of our volunteers, that’s when I had to call security and step away to gather myself. I was 24, had very little control over how the festival actually ran (I was operating an already running machine), and felt like what I had been working towards in my career was crashing down around me.
Even with that significant letdown under my belt, I was able to dust myself off, make important changes (like online ticket sales and vendor incentives to participate rather than back out last minute), and pull off what some reviewed as Biscuit Fest’s best year yet.
Now, planning weddings is exponentially different than planning festivals, which honestly gives me a ton of confidence. If I can handle 10,000 hungry/angry people at once, I can handle 150-250 guests at a wedding.
I’m happy to say none of my weddings have experienced substantial disasters that we couldn’t find a solution for at that moment – that’s how struggle often benefits us!
We’ve been impressed with Bearcat Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I launched Bearcat Events in the spring of 2019, with 8 years of event experience under my belt. Though I have ample support from my spouse, friends, and family, Bearcat is mine and mine alone, meaning I run the company; I’m the one who is responding to texts/emails, organizing phone calls, and updating my website.
I specialize in event consulting + event execution, and I’m known for my ability to be kind but straightforward while treating each of my clients like close friends – which is crucial for me to properly plan each event according to what would best benefit their style & personality. Though the event industry is saturated with planners, each of us has a different, unique approach to working with our clients. For me, that process looks more curated to the individual – I don’t have a setlist of tasks that I offer a client and I don’t box them into a certain planning structure.
I get to know them, I let them know that I’m here for their needs, and I take the reins when they ask/need me to do so. I have also worked on every facet of the event setup, from loading/unloading heavy furniture, floral design, food service, and most importantly: Problem-solving. I have 3 different package structures to choose from, with the ability to find something in between each one should that be what you’re looking for. I’m a strong communicator and my ultimate goal is to keep my clients feeling at ease knowing I’m on their team.
I’m so lucky to have close friends in the planning industry as well as graphic designers who are willing to help with vendor sourcing, contracts, and even tax questions – all stuff that comes with owning a small business. Certainly, I am most proud of being able to cultivate a community of talented, smart, interesting people who help provide me with the tools to be successful in this industry, as I hope to offer the same to them.
We are nothing without the help and support of those around us and I’m hyper-aware of that now more than ever.
What do you think about happiness?
I am happiest when life around me is simple: Hanging out with friends and family, eating delicious food, and being well-rested. I do strive for success with Bearcat, but I also know my personal limits. I do not have to be the best wedding planner in the world, just the best to my (and my clients’) standards.
Outside of that, it’s crucial that I maintain a healthy social + home life balance. Life is so much shorter than we realize, and when I look back on mine, I want to feel confident that I was able to take advantage of what was best for me in each moment.
Sometimes that looks like taking a nap mid-afternoon on a Wednesday, and sometimes it looks like working 6 days straight, giving the majority of myself over to a project that I know will finish beautifully. Happiness is what you make it, and generally, I am happiest when appreciating what I already have.
Pricing:
- Week-Of Package $1000
- Month-Of Package $3500
- Full-Planning Package $7500
- Hourly Consultations – $150/hr
Contact Info:
- Email: bearcatevents@gmail.com
- Website: www.bearcatevents.com
- Instagram: @bearcatevents
- Facebook: Bearcat Events
Image Credits
Light Wave Artists, Silverbell Photography, Nicole Adrienne Photo, Casey Shea Photo, Yours Truly Media, Izzy Bouchard Photography, and Scarlet Roots Photography
